On July 16th, Project Cobalt presented the  CAPSULE S/S 2016 presentation at Skylight Clarkson Sq. On the occasion of the first men’s fashion week in New York, Capsule the premiere tradeshow for progressive and emerging contemporary menswear, presented a group presentation.

Dubbed “a snapshot of modern menswear,” Capsule has gathered seven of its notable participants from around the world, to offer a collective vision of what is moving the market right now.

BAARTMANS AND SIEGEL
UK-based design duo Wouter and Amber bring their love of tasteful, stylistic elegance and combined experiences at some of the most prestigious European luxury houses to their passion project, the directional premium label Baartmans and Siegel.
This collection is inspired by a push-pull relationship between grounded realism and optimism and features signature brand
elements of both functionality and indulgent luxury.

On July 15th, Asaf Ganot showcased his S/S 16 collection at the ArtBeam in Chelsea. For spring, he drew inspiration from the festive Carioca culture in Brazil. Blending Rio's beach world and Sao Paulo's urban style! Conveying freshness and fun, it balances the brand's  sharp aesthetic and customized luxury touches.

An evolution evolve from Brazilian fabrics-denim and neoprene (combined with Italian and Japanese fabrics) - to Italy, where the purest workmanship polishes and shapes every  single garment.

Clean line, minimal sublteness, and elaborate artisanal details make up Asaf Ganot's collection for S/S 16.
The collection plays on subtle pastel & sand shades, sky blues/blacks, with micro-checks, both tone-on-tone and contrasting. The outwear is where leather leaves its strongest mark, giving way to suede and Nappa in bomber, moto and biker jackets.

Photography by Christine Shepherd and Rodin Banica.

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Only July 14th, Concept Korea - a global project that publicizes Korea's fashion culture throughout the world since 2010 - showcased two menswear designers at the first New York Men's Fashion Week  at the ArtBeam.

The first collection  was by  Kang Dong Jun, designer behind DBYD. He launched D.GNAK in 2006 and had debut show at 2008 F/W Seoul Fashion Week. In 2009, Kang launched DBYD.  DBYD is the diffusion line of D.GNAK. DBYD is chromatic in color and a younger, more causal tone than D.GNAK. DBYD draws references from urban culture and street-wear.

The spring 2016 collection which was titled 'Loner' and according to the designer - his idea for the collection was based largely on a boy's imagination. Despite the few printed items related to the imagination part & a few somber pieces - I thought the title was illogical to the clothing itself.  I still enjoyed this collection though! I could see myself wearing a few of the dope shirts/jackets and pants.  Definitely street-wear worthy.

The second collection we saw was by Ordinary People, designed by  Jang Hyeong Cheol. For this season, Ordinary People focused on the classic form of fashion, yet still encompassing sportism.

The collection titled 'Active Maestro' is an active artist. Active and sporty looks were presented with artistic and delicate technics . The concept of Active Maestro - was described as the revolution of sportism.  Through the formal suits and t-shrts of menswear, delicate details of zipper and artistic graphic designs; Ordinary people showcased a unique look at sportswear and loungewear combination.

Photography by Christine Shepherd and Concept Korea.

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For the  25th Anniversary, Carmen showcased 52 looks including swimwear and  the debut of his menswear collection. Inspired by his home garden, The spring 2015 collection showed off the main array of silk organza, embroidered gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedo pants and shirts.

                                                        Check out my favorites from the Spring 2015 collection

The Original Penguin spring 2015 collection was presented on September, 3rd at Industria Studios.
For spring 2015, Original Penguin takes inspiration from the energetic and glamorous Magic City itself: late 1950’s Miami.

The color palette blends chromatic blues and vibrant greens with a splash of aqua and soft pinks, providing a contrast reminiscent of the saturated colors of beachfront homes set against the soft pastel colors of Miami’s art-deco streets.

As the heat begins to build, the collection moves poolside and emulates a tone of modern preppiness, mixing chambrays with vintage-floral prints. For the guy who embraces more refined style cues, a seersucker suit keeps him sophisticated yet cool before retiring for an evening of casual rooftop games.

Photography by Keith Morrison

Carlos Campos presented his spring 2015 menswear collection on September, 3rd at Industria Studios.

I was in love with Carlos Campos Fall 2014 collection in which I first discovered his work. I am a fan of his cool looking sweatshirts.

Even though this collection screams more fall appropriate than spring/summer, I like the versatile option of wearing both for the two seasons.  Carlos showcased the great transition from the last days of summer into the incoming fall weather.
Here, you can combine the cool breeze with the sweatshirt & trousers or wear dress shorts with a blazer if it's nice out.

Great transition in to fall and wearable for spring is my overall conclusion.

Photography by Marko Kalfa

Josh Reed presented his spring 2015 collection on September, 3rd at Industria Studios.

The Gents spring 2015 collection is inspired by the athletic and masculine elements of boxing as well as the clean lines and colors found in Formula 1 racing. The blending of both aesthetics makes for a strong collection of sporty and casual separates, caps and accessories.

Rooted in minimalist design, classic silhouettes and timeless sophistication, Gents started out with luxury caps and has since expanded into a complete lifestyle brand.

“Whereas fall 2014 was focused on the brand’s expansion, spring 2015 is more thematic and hones in on the high quality product we’re known to make,” says Josh Reed, CEO and Founder of Gents.

This season Gents offers a colorful and warm palette of reds and blues, as well as season-less undertones of grey, navy, black and white. The brand also plays around with geometric patterns and prints, referencing the uniforms worn in Formula 1 races.

“Color plays a huge part for us this season and each tone has a meaning behind it,” explains Reed. “This season’s colorways represent positivity, masculine energy, and conveys strength and courage; it truly goes hand-in-hand with our inspiration.”


Photos courtesy of Josh Reed/Gents

David Hart presented his spring 2015 collection on September, 3rd at Industria Studios. As I mentioned in the Lucio Castro post, I foresee more menswear designers becoming confident in using more color and bold prints on masculine shapes and silhouettes.  Hart is definitely leading the way. I love this beach  summery-esque collection which Hart based on Palm Springs and modernist architecture.

Photography by Ben Ferrari

Lucio Castro presented his spring 2015 menswear presentation on September, 3rd. Held at Industria Studios, Lucio based the collection on summers in Soviet resort towns  (Odessa and Sopot).

 I foresee more menswear designers becoming more confident in using color and  bold prints on masculine shapes and silhouettes. As sweater season is coming upon us, I really hope they bring just that to one of my favorite clothing item.   Since, I am a tomboy at nature, I like that majority of the pieces in this collection is easy to pair with my dunks, sweatpants and boyfriend jeans.